Can Poor Dental Health Really Cause Early Death?

Much too often people put off their dental health thinking they can always do it tomorrow or next week, and then for one reason or another never seem to make that dental appointment. Whether it is to get a root canal, fill a cavity, or just go in for that six month checkup, it is very important to ensure that your teeth are as healthy as you like the rest of your body to be. You may be telling yourself "My teeth are not in any pain" and asking "Why do I need to go in to the dentist if there is no pain?"

There are several considerations you should take into account before deciding NOT to go to the dentist for that checkup. All kinds of bacteria live in your mouth. Although some of these microorganisms are helpful in fending off mouth and gum disease, most of them are the bacteria that cause such disease as gingivitis which, if not controlled, may lead to "acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis".

This gum disease is often more painful and is usually noticeable by: sores on the gums, a gray film on teeth and gums, severe bad breath that is not cured by brushing, flossing or the use of mouthwash. Should you decide that for some reason it is still not time to get this treated, you may be facing advanced periodontal disease. Advanced periodontal disease occurs when the bacteria that causes gingivitis spreads below the gum line. This is usually characterized by a deterioration of the bone in the mouth and may cause your teeth to fall out.

Advanced periodontal disease may also cause other health issues such as:

•A lower ability to fight off simple viruses and infections
•Increase chance of stroke
•Higher chance of coronary artery disease
•Premature or low birth weight in infants

The procedures used to treat advanced periodontal disease are not ones that you would consider pleasant as they are costly, usually mean several visits to the dentist and can be quite uncomfortable. These treatments may include pocket reduction, soft tissue grafting and crown lengthening. Scientists have also shown a link between gum disease and diabetes.

People with diabetes are at a higher risk for advanced periodontal disease. People with advanced periodontal disease also tend to have a harder time controlling the effects of diabetes. As you can see, avoiding dental care may increase your chances for many other health problems and ultimately lead to an unneeded and untimely death. Two ways to prevent this include good oral hygiene and drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Also bad habits or behaviors can lower your salivation rates and put you at higher risk of gum disease.

A few of these behaviors include:

•Smoking
•drinking alcohol
•excessive exercise
•the use of stimulants or anything that increases your metabolism

If you follow these few simple guidelines and be sure to make regularly scheduled dental exams, you will greatly decrease your chances of gum disease and other health related issues.

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